— Most likely, the king and queen are dead, — he began, and each word fell heavily like raindrops on a gravestone. — They were killed in the empire of Kriver. The enemies decided we know about it and are preparing revenge. So they attacked the carriage with your mom...
He fell silent. In that pause fit a whole world. A world where my mother no longer breathes, laughs, worries about me. A world that suddenly became much larger and colder.
— Forgive me, — continued Leyont, his voice trembled for the first time in our acquaintance. — I couldn't protect your mom... my love.
Tears flowed on their own—hot, salty, useless. Through them, choking, I asked what I'd long suspected:
— You... are my father?
— Yes, son, — he answered simply, and in his eyes, always so strict, flashed pain sharp as a blade. — I asked no extra emotions. Right now, saving you and the princess is most precious to me. Understood?
In such moments, you understand much. That life isn't theater where every act has an intermission. That love can be silent for twelve years and reveal itself in the most terrible moment. That fatherhood isn't only joy of recognition, but bitterness of losses.
— Understood, — I said, wiping tears with my sleeve.
Leyont drew a sword—beautiful, ancient, with a hilt polished by many hands.
— This sword of the kingdom Monaria enhances air magic, — he explained. — You have four elements, because of that your power is dispersed. But this air stone will help focus.
The stone lay in his palm—small, warm, pulsing with inner life. Strange to hold a piece of element in hands.
— And this book, — continued father—what an unusual word, turns out! — extending a thick tome. — Everything I wanted to tell you. Thought to confess on your sixteenth birthday, but fate decided otherwise.
— Dad... — I said this word for the first time in life. It sounded strange, unfamiliar, but right.
— Wipe your tears and think of the princess, — he said, returning to business. — If they kill her, all our sacrifices will be in vain. Take these things. No money, but you'll find a way to earn—you're my son.
In the bag—maps, scrolls, vials with unknown contents. A set for a new life starting right now.